Bug Identifier
Household Casebearer / Plaster Bagworm
Community identification

Household Casebearer / Plaster Bagworm

Phereoeca uterebella

Order & Family
Lepidoptera: Tineidae
Size
Case is 8 to 14 mm in length; larvae range similarly within.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Found indoors, predominantly in humid areas on walls or ceilings, near silk-producing spiders or dust.

Diet & Feeding

Scavenger that feeds on spider webs, wool, hair, and various proteinaceous debris like dead insects.

Behavior Patterns

The larva constructs a protective silk case flattened in the middle and open at both ends to allow the insect to emerge and feed from either side; it drags the case as it grows and eventually pupates inside.

Risks & Benefits

Harmless to humans; while they may damage natural fiber textiles like wool or silk, they primarily act as household scavengers of dust and organic debris.